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R E Swain

Publications and source records attributed to R E Swain.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

IL-15 receptor maintains lymphoid homeostasis by supporting lymphocyte homing and proliferation.

The IL-15 receptor alpha subunit (IL-15Ralpha) mediates high-affinity binding of IL-15, a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the development of innate immune cells. We have generated IL-15Ralpha null (IL-15Ralpha-/-) mice to understand the role of IL-15Ralpha in immune development and function. IL-15Ralpha-/- mice are markedly lymphopenic despite grossly normal T and B lymphocyte development. This lymphopenia is due to decreased proliferation and decreased homing of IL-15Ralpha-/- lymphocytes to peripheral lymph nodes. These mice are also deficient in natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and TCRgammadelta intraepithelial lymphocytes. In addition, memory phenotype CD8+ T cells are selectively reduced in number. Thus, IL-15Ralpha has pleiotropic roles in immune development and function, including the positive maintenance of lymphocyte homeostasis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Fungal sinusitis.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1995

Diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal sinusitis.

Diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal sinusitis have not been established, and clinical information consists primarily of isolated case reports. We proposed five diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal sinusitis including: (1) the demonstration of the characteristic eosinophil-rich allergic mucin visually or histopathologically, (2) a positive fungal stain or culture from the sinus at surgery, and (3) the absence of immunodeficiency or diabetes. With these criteria, seven patients in our metropolitan area with allergic fungal sinusitis were identified in a short period. Initial symptoms in our seven patients reflected those in 99 case reports in that two children were first seen with proptosis, one child and three adults with nasal congestion, and one adult with symptoms of chronic sinusitis. All had pansinusitis as shown on x-ray films. Six patients were atopic, five had nasal polyposis, and five had Curvularia species cultured from the sinuses. Infections with Bipolaris species, asthma, and chronic sinusitis were less common in our patients than in those previously reported. Recurrent symptoms and additional surgery sometimes resulted when the diagnosis was delayed by failure to obtain silver stains for fungus on surgical material sent for histopathologic review. Sinus tomography showed that the fungal material in the sinuses was of high density, which distinguished it from polyps or bacterial exudate. Bony compression, erosion, and rupture of the sinus walls were common. Results of IgE levels, precipitin determinations, and eosinophil counts were variable in both our patients and those in the literature. On the basis of our review, we believe that the simple diagnostic criteria proposed are appropriate for both research and clinical purposes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Fibrosarcoma of the head and neck in children.

A retrospective study of 11 children with fibrosarcoma of the head and neck is presented. Six of these tumors are well differentiated, and three are poorly differentiated. Nine patients were followed for over six years and are available for treatment evaluation. The results of treatment indicate that patients with superficially located, well differentiated tumors occurring at sites where wide surgical margins can be obtained have the most favorable prognosis.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses.

Extracranial meningiomas are rare tumors, comprising approximately 2% of all meningiomas. Previously reported sites include the orbit, parapharyngeal space, and rarely, the paranasal sinuses. A retrospective chart review of patients with meningiomas was performed over the last 25 years, and three patients were identified with meningiomas involving the paranasal sinuses. The locations included the frontal sinus, the ethmoid sinus, and the sphenoid sinus. Presenting symptoms included facial pain and nasal obstruction; two patients noted facial swelling. Diagnosis was established via endoscopic transnasal biopsy in two patients. Computed tomographic (CT) guided biopsy was utilized to confirm the diagnosis in the third patient. Surgical extirpation was successfully performed with tumors arising from the ethmoid and frontal sinuses. The patient with neoplasm in the sphenoid sinus underwent radiation therapy. Extracranial meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses are rare tumors that may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present three cases and discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options.

Adolescent↗